Seek professional counseling or therapy

When stress becomes chronic, overwhelming, or interferes with daily functioning, working with a licensed therapist or counselor provides structured support that self-help methods cannot match. Professional help is particularly valuable when stress coexists with anxiety, depression, or burnout.

Effective Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and reframe negative thought patterns that amplify stress. Well-established evidence base for stress and anxiety.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): An 8-week structured program combining meditation, body awareness, and yoga. Developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
• Talk therapy: Regular sessions provide a safe space to process stressors and develop coping strategies with professional guidance.

How to Access

• Insurance-covered: Check your health insurance provider directory for in-network therapists
• Sliding scale: Many therapists offer reduced rates based on income
• Online platforms: Services like BetterHelp and Talkspace offer remote sessions, often at lower cost than in-person therapy
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Most employers offer 3-8 free counseling sessions through EAP benefits

Tips

• Seeking help is a practical decision, not a sign of weakness
• If the first therapist is not a good fit, try another -- the therapeutic relationship matters
• Ask about the therapist's experience with stress management specifically
• Combine professional support with self-care practices for best outcomes